I saw something today I’ve seen or heard too many times. In a conversation about a woman whose husband has been found out to be abusive, someone declares that she must stay because God hates divorce. As I read those words I thought of the first time I was faced with this situation in real life. I sat on the floor of my living room and wept as my friend told me what she'd been keeping hidden. Her new husband was abusive. He yelled, frightened, and threatened her. He never hit her directly, but sometimes threw things at her. He had been hurting her emotionally & psychologically, and … [Read more...] about What Does God Hate?
Let’s Help the Karen Baptists in Burma
Recently, I received this message from IMB missionary friends in Thailand. Dr. Paul Chitwood, the President of the International Mission Board gave me permission to publish this information and make this appeal. Here is the message: We hope you all are doing well. We have a prayer request and opportunity for you to help. As you may be aware there is a coup happening in Myanmar (Burma). Our national partners who live on the border of Thailand and Myanmar have informed us that the Myanmar military has been bombing Karen villages. The Karen people have fled to the border of Thailand. The … [Read more...] about Let’s Help the Karen Baptists in Burma
Invitation: Lunch with Ed Litton in DC/WV/Maryland area, Thursday, May 6
If you live near West Virginia's eastern panhandle, which includes areas like central Maryland and northern Virginia/DC, we encourage you to take a day trip to Shepherdstown on Thursday, May 6 for an afternoon with Pastor Ed Litton. Ed will introduce himself, talk about his life and ministry, his commitment to the SBC, especially as it pertains to church planting and racial reconciliation, and answer questions. Covenant Church in Shepherdstown is hosting the event and providing Chick-fil-A lunches to everyone. The event is free, and beyond the opportunity to hear from a SBC presidential … [Read more...] about Invitation: Lunch with Ed Litton in DC/WV/Maryland area, Thursday, May 6
#LONGbeforeMeToo: SBC’s Oldest Survivor Advocate Speaks Out
The following is a guest post by Dee Miller, former FMB missionary and long-time survivor advocate. Contrary to popular belief, abuse is not as big a problem as many believe. Never has been. The real problem is collusion with abuse. If we can persuade folks to stop colluding, and truly holding those accountable who do, we would soon see an end to the chronic pandemic that’s been going on since the beginning of Christianity! Just do a Google search for “collusion in the Southern Baptist Convention” and you’ll soon be reading my work as it pertains to the SBC, and learn exactly … [Read more...] about #LONGbeforeMeToo: SBC’s Oldest Survivor Advocate Speaks Out
Senegal Bound!
Last year in March I was headed for my tenth trip to the Casamance region of Senegal when this little virus started popping up. I tried to go back again in March and there was political unrest that stopped the trip (we were leaving Monday and the plug was pulled on Sunday afternoon). I plan to leave on Tuesday morning to head to Senegal (finally!) and assess what has been happening in the Essing region, a UUPG we have been trying to turn into a UPG. I will meet up with a co-laborer from Texas who works with the adjoining villages. We would appreciate your prayers. I will be gone, Lord … [Read more...] about Senegal Bound!
Invitation: Zoom call with Ed Litton this afternoon (with Chris Phillips)
If you’re a pastor, church planter, or leader, as well as anyone attending the SBC Annual Meeting in Nashville, I’d like to invite you to join a Zoom call TODAY, April 22nd, at 1pm MST / 2pm CST to hear from Ed Litton about pastoring, leading in crisis, and his vision for leading as potential SBC President as Fred Luter is nominating him this June. Ed is pastor at Redemption Church in Mobile, AL, where he has pastored since 1994. He’s a SWBTS graduate, has served in college and career ministry in TX, and has a vast array of experience throughout church ministry and the SBC, … [Read more...] about Invitation: Zoom call with Ed Litton this afternoon (with Chris Phillips)
OK, so I found a hundred dollar bill
I’m the guy who will actually bend over and pick up a penny in a parking lot. In a restaurant parking lot at the beach eagle-eye Plodder spotted a bill behind the car parked next to mine. Nope, not an old school Gospel tract fake currency, guaranteed to alienate restaurant servers who think they have a big tip, but a real bill. Guys fold a $100 bill I twice and stick it behind their insurance card. Some dude dropped his. I found it. What should I have done? What should I do? _________ I’m also the guy who has never found anything of value, until now. … [Read more...] about OK, so I found a hundred dollar bill
It’s the End of the World As We Know
What Keeps You Going in Ministry?
Some years ago, I heard Johnny Bisagno preach in the Southern Baptist Seminary chapel. He had announced his retirement from FBC Houston, and he was making a “farewell tour” of the SBC seminaries. He titled his message “Finishing Well.” In the sermon, he recounted how he studied at Oklahoma Baptist University with 24 other “preacher boys.” They all had enrolled in OBU to prepare for the ministry. He stated that as best he could determine, he was the only one still active in ministry. So, in his message, he exhorted the seminary students to continue in ministry and “finish well.” This past … [Read more...] about What Keeps You Going in Ministry?
Is Anyone Else Tired of Complementarian Food Fights?
I have to say this at the very beginning of a post like this. I am an inerrantist and about as conservative as a person can be. In my church, the primary offices are reserved for men. I am not sure of the terminology but I believe the Bible teaches a complementarian relationship between men and women. Equal at the cross and in value to God, we have different roles and responsibilities at home. I am comfortable with the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 statement on the doctrine. I am sick and tired of complementarianism, paternalism, egalitarianism, and such matters dominating the discussion … [Read more...] about Is Anyone Else Tired of Complementarian Food Fights?